We’re going to Newcastle so start out early.
After the long haul out to Istanbul, and the even longer haul to the ground, it’s time to revive an old tradition, namely Newcastle on a Sunday. It isn’t always Sunday, of course. Sometimes it’s Monday, or Saturday night, or any time except Saturday afternoon. At least this one’s down to us being in Europe rather than the TV companies.
Remind me, what are Newcastle these days – are they still upset about the banners, our allies against The Six, or rivals for the Champions League? It probably depends on the result. Newcastle have got the horriblest owners in football. That’s some going when you consider some of the opposition, particularly the ones who get given Olympic stadiums for a pittance but it’s doubtful that neither Sullivan nor her Ladyship have ever had journalists murdered, much as they’d like to.
Newcastle have got a manager who looks like the sort of bloke who promoted club nights in Benidorm in his youth before moving on to manage Spain’s number one Oasis tribute band. He’s amazingly been in the job for getting on for five years although winning their first trophy since rationing means the statue will be going up soon. Their previous Players of the Season have included Shay Given, Steve Watson, Ciaran Clark and John Burridge. Plus Peter Withe.
Now they’ve got Jacob Ramsey, who’s been injured just for a change. Talking of which, we’ve got a few out as well. You might have read that somewhere. We played in Turkey on Thurssday, they played in Newcastle on Wednesday. That’ll give them a bit if an advantage but it doesn’t outweigh the fact that we’re Aston Villa and they’re only Newcastle.
Our record here hasn’t been great but if we can get a point at Palace we can get a result anywhere. And if you thought Istanbul city centre to Fenerbahce was a trek, try getting from Newcastle’s turnstiles to your seat.
